Scenario: Elementary students (grades 5/6) will examine ways of saving energy in their school. They will examine historical data of energy consumption of the school and then explore ways of conserving. Students will collect and analyze data, search best practices and new developments in energy conservation in schools. Then they will develop a proposal for energy savings for their school, and communicate their findings and recommendations to a panel (principal, PTA board members, community members, and school board members).
CFQs: Essential Question: How can we make a difference?
Unit Questions: What factors influence energy consumption in our school? What are the costs of energy consumption? (Resources, dollars, alternative uses for funds) What can our school do to conserve energy? How can we use energy resources responsibly? How can we impact others to make changes?
Content Questions: How do you measure energy consumption? How do you calculate energy costs and potential savings? How do you design a persuasive presentation?
Probes Used in the Unit: Light Sensor Surface Temperature Sensor
Student Sample Storyboard
Student Sample Presentation
Project Title: Saving Energy One School at a Time
Scenario:
Elementary students (grades 5/6) will examine ways of saving energy in their school. They will examine historical data of energy consumption of the school and then explore ways of conserving. Students will collect and analyze data, search best practices and new developments in energy conservation in schools. Then they will develop a proposal for energy savings for their school, and communicate their findings and recommendations to a panel (principal, PTA board members, community members, and school board members).
CFQs:
Essential Question:
How can we make a difference?
Unit Questions:
What factors influence energy consumption in our school?
What are the costs of energy consumption? (Resources, dollars, alternative uses for funds)
What can our school do to conserve energy?
How can we use energy resources responsibly?
How can we impact others to make changes?
Content Questions:
How do you measure energy consumption?
How do you calculate energy costs and potential savings?
How do you design a persuasive presentation?
Probes Used in the Unit:
Light Sensor
Surface Temperature Sensor
Assessment Timeline:
Before: K-W-L, Observation, Writing Scoring Guide, Speaking Scoring Guide, Brochure Scoring Guide
During: Science Journal, Checklists, Reflective Questions, Writing Scoring Guide, Speaking Scoring Guide, K-W-L, Brochure Scoring Guide, Conferences
After: Science Journal, Writing Scoring Guide, Speaking Scoring Guide, Brochure Scoring Guide, Reflection, K-W-L